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An abandoned structure is any man made object that is no longer in use. Structures that could fall into this definition include buildings, bridges, bunkers, tunnels, drains, mines, water towers, railroad tracks, farms, wells, or houses. Here are some easy steps to recognize, enter, and get away with when exploring abandoned structures.

Avoid breaking local laws. Trespassing is illegal in many countries and jurisdictions. Private property laws vary from one place to another and you should not assume a legal action in one area is legal in another. At many larger structures, the caretakers will grant permission to view the premises they preserve. If there are signs that say "No Trespassing", don't enter unless you have permission.[1]XResearch source

Be aware of your actions. Without speaking with a caretaker or owner, you could be perceived as a squatter, vandal, arsonist, or someone looking for salvage. Make your intentions clear to avoid unfounded accusations. Avoid bringing anything unnecessary such as tools to avoid trouble.

Find a site to explore. In most cases, the structures you are looking to explore caught your interest during other activities, rather than by intentional scouting. However, unmentioned structures show their neglect and can be found simply by traveling around your town or city. You can also find structure locations from people with similar interests on internet forums.[2]XResearch source

Walk the perimeter. What are the possible entrances (or exits, if there is a need to escape)? Windows, unlocked doors, doors that can be opened by force (note laws), rooftops, tunnels, and holes are all possible entry points into abandoned buildings.

Decide when to make an entrance. Sometimes it's better to enter during the day for lighting purposes, but nighttime is usually better because you're less likely to be seen. Bring a flashlight and a friend along![3]XResearch source

Find the easiest way in. Do you have to hop a barbed-wire fence, or can you squeeze through an opening instead? In many cases, you'll find infiltrating a structure is much easier than it looks. Barbed-wire, high walls, and locked doors are all good deterrents, but in many cases, there is a part of the structure that is much more vulnerable.[4]XResearch source

Leave the structure the same way you found it. You wouldn't want to ruin the experience for future explorers. You also don't want a police report filed if anything is destroyed or stolen.[6]XResearch source

You could, depending on what activity was being conducted in the lab. Wear a mask, gloves, and ideally, a complete protection suit. If you feel sick after the exploration, go to a hospital, tell them where you have been, and list the symptoms you have.

How do you tell if a structure is safe or stable (besides doing a visual analysis)?

Community Answer

Well, you really can't. Just do the closest you can by walking slowly and testing your steps. Obviously, if the floor is collapsing, don't walk on it. It can also be helpful to do online and local library research to find out what has happened to the structure in recent years or decades, so that you understand its structural weaknesses clearly.

Would it be okay to bring a dog along to keep me safe and find a way out if I'm lost?

Community Answer

It depends on whether the structure is stable and how likely the dog is to stay close to you. A lead would be a good idea to ensure its safety as well as yours. It is a nice idea in case someone tries to attack you, etc. but keep in mind, you will be putting the dog in danger.

Asbestos and black mold are the most common found in old decaying buildings. As long as you're not in the building for too long, you should be OK. Breathing through your shirt could help, but if you're worried, get an inexpensive dust mask on Amazon or at your local hardware store.

Tips

Your exploration doesn't have to be limited to urban areas; it's also possible and fun to discover rural structures such as old barns and silos, as well as historical or specialized structures such as catacombs and sewers. Note that catacombs can be EXTREMELY dangerous as it is easy to get lost (they were built that way!) so make sure you always know how to find your way out. If you don't know what you're doing, stay out!

When exploring take your time, be observant and think about safety. Pay attention to what is around you, overhead and below. Walk carefully. Stepping on a rusted nail can be the least of your problems when exploring abandoned structures (you may fall through a floor or two).

Always bring somebody with you, so that they can go and get help if anything goes wrong. There is safety in numbers. At the very least, make sure someone knows where you are, and what time you will be due back.

If you are confronted by a security guard or police officer, they have no right whatsoever to take your camera or other equipment from you. Stand up for your rights. That is unless you are arrested by law enforcement, in which case you must obey their lawful orders such as letting them take the camera in as property/evidence.

In the case of a rural residential exploration, look for where the residents may have dumped their garbage a long time ago and bring along a metal detector. You may find old trash that is modern-day treasure.

Warnings

Buildings that are condemned or abandoned and boarded or fenced off are that way because they are dangerous. If you want to undertake this activity make sure you are okay with the fact that if something goes wrong you WILL be putting your rescuers, i.e. Police, Firefighters, EMS personnel at risk when they come to your aid. Not only could you be injured and charged with a crime, you could also get others hurt and be liable for reimbursing agencies for the expenses incurred in aiding you. Have fun if you think the risk is worth it.

Asbestos used to be a building material of choice from the 1930s up to the late 1970s. Its nano-sized particles become airborne from the slightest disturbance or draft. It is highly proven when inhaled to cause Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the chest lining), which can cause a painful death. If you do not wear a gas mask, it would be well worth your time to read up and study the various forms of asbestos beforehand. This will enable you to identify asbestos and steer clear of a possible premature death.

Old buildings may contain other hazards, such as poisonous substances or asbestos. There will sometimes be a warning sign, but not always! Be careful not to disturb any insulation, ceiling, or floor tiles in order to avoid dangerous airborne asbestos fibers.

Know the local trespassing laws and be ready to accept the possible consequences. Also, be aware of mitigating circumstances: bringing a few tools in case you need them might seem like a good idea, but if you are caught you'll be in more trouble! Also, in some areas it is a worse crime if you are caught at night.

If the structure has been abandoned by the original property owner, there might be new residents (squatters!). If you find someone else inside the building, let them know you are there and tell them you're just exploring. Some squatters can be very dangerous, so try to avoid physical confrontation and leave immediately if you think you are in danger of being assaulted.

Be cautious if the structure shows signs of vandalism, forced entry, looting, or other destructive criminal acts. Urban exploring is not a destructive activity but you can easily be blamed for any damage to a building. Consider what would happen if they charged you with whatever graffiti, theft, or property damage the building has suffered in the last few months.

The majority of explorers forget to ensure whether or not power is still running in a structure like a mall. If it is (or a small part is still running on generator power), be extremely cautious regarding security cameras and/or alarm systems. Some alarm systems are triggered by doors being opened, pressure plates, electromagnetic frequencies, ultraviolet, etc. and can take anywhere from a millisecond from 90 seconds to sound and alert the authorities, or if it is a silent alarm, you will be in for a surprise.

If you must enter a building with a posted warning that it is unsafe or condemned, test every step before you put your weight down, as the floorboards may give way. Beware of peeling lead-based paint and insulation.

Be aware that stagnant environments often lead to heightened concentrations of diseases, bugs, and pathogens. Evidence of unhealthy environments include mold, animal and bird droppings, saturated building materials, and dead animals. Areas of extreme stagnation, such as mines, pits, and drains can pose undetectable gas hazards.

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 65 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Together, they cited 6 references.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 284,966 times.

Reader Success Stories

DD

David Davis

Aug 12, 2017

"I now have a new look on the squatters I've seen growing up and on hard times that have befallen most of us. By reading up on it I feel less intimidated by some "aggressive" squatters that didn't know their rights or mine. Thank you."..." more

AW

Ashley Walker

Dec 7, 2017

"The tips and warnings were very helpful! I also now know a bit more about asbestos. Me and a friend are planning to explore a flood pipe tomorrow, and this wikiHow really helped us!"..." more

MS

Margo Roth Spiegelman

Nov 12, 2016

"I've been reading Paper Towns, and decided to find Pseudovision within the Metro. Knowing all these made me know what to do. Thanks, wikiHow!"..." more

GK

Gurpreet Kaur

Jan 16, 2017

"This article helped me to explore an abandoned park in Vietnam. I was able to explore many unusual things."

A

Anonymous

Nov 16, 2017

"Thanks. I do lots of abandoned exploration (all legal), but it's nice to see help for beginners."

Rated this article:

A

Anonymous

Jun 6, 2016

"Great tips! I didn't understand asbestos and how to avoid it, and this was an eye-opener. "

KF

K. Flores

Mar 11, 2017

"I just read the article, thanks so much, it was interesting. You're awesome. "

ME

Madhu Everest

Jun 21, 2017

"I liked the tips and warnings, as they're really practical and reasonable."

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90% of readers found this article helpful.

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Co-authors: 65

Updated: April 27, 2020

Views: 284,966

DD

David Davis

Aug 12, 2017

"I now have a new look on the squatters I've seen growing up and on hard times that have befallen most of us. By reading up on it I feel less intimidated by some "aggressive" squatters that didn't know their rights or mine. Thank you."..." more

AW

Ashley Walker

Dec 7, 2017

"The tips and warnings were very helpful! I also now know a bit more about asbestos. Me and a friend are planning to explore a flood pipe tomorrow, and this wikiHow really helped us!"..." more

MS

Margo Roth Spiegelman

Nov 12, 2016

"I've been reading Paper Towns, and decided to find Pseudovision within the Metro. Knowing all these made me know what to do. Thanks, wikiHow!"..." more

GK

Gurpreet Kaur

Jan 16, 2017

"This article helped me to explore an abandoned park in Vietnam. I was able to explore many unusual things."

A

Anonymous

Nov 16, 2017

"Thanks. I do lots of abandoned exploration (all legal), but it's nice to see help for beginners."